Welcome, New Generation Hope Team Members!
We’re so excited to be growing our team. Get to know the newest members of our staff below!
Pia Debose
Operations Coordinator (NOLA)
I'm Pia Debose, born and raised in the vibrant city of New Orleans. A proud mom of two boys, my educational journey led me to Delgado Community College, where I focused on Business Administration. Professionally, I've carved a path in Human Resources, People Operations, and Management. Beyond work, I find delight in the world of all things food, with a special love for the festive Halloween season. You'll often catch me enjoying some retail therapy at Target, sipping on my go-to Starbucks drink.
Ashlee Edelblut
Grants & Foundations Manager
I am excited to join Generation Hope as the Grants & Foundations Manager! I was born and raised in the DC area and value the opportunity to engage with and support this community. I studied Business at Montgomery College and have spent much of my career in sales and hospitality. In recognizing the inequities in our food systems, I joined the nonprofit sector and most recently have been focused on fighting food insecurity in Montgomery County.
I believe strongly in the power of community and I am a member of Leadership Montgomery’s CORE Class of 2024. Drawn to Generation Hope by my lived experience as a teen mom and student parent, I am proud to amplify the voices of this invisible population. I look forward to connecting with our partners and cultivating new relationships to support Generation Hope’s powerful mission.
Les Johnson
Director of Human Resources & Administration
Hello everybody! I am thrilled to be joining the team at Generation Hope as the Director of Human Resources & Administration, as we continue to remove the systemic barriers to economic mobility. Prior to joining Generation Hope, I worked at Flamboyan Foundation, KWC, and the Capital Area Food Bank. Throughout my experiences, I’ve found the helping of others to be intrinsically rewarding. I grew up in Detroit before going on to graduate from Prairie View A&M University and the University of Maryland Global Campus. Attending graduate school while working a full-time job was very challenging, but well worth it. My interests include barbecuing, walking my dog, and taking on the latest home renovation project. I will occasionally DJ for a couple of local non-profit organizations that are serving the DC area (hunger and homelessness). I reside in Washington, DC with my wife and three daughters.
Damaris Marchante
Mental Health Coordinator & Counselor
Hello! My name is Damaris Marchante, and I work as the Mental Health Coordinator and Counselor at Generation Hope. I hold a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Bachelor's degree in Human Relations, both of which I received from Trinity Washington University. I have gained valuable clinical experience working as a Mental Health Counseling Intern at Generation Hope. Originally from Guatemala, I came to the U.S. when I was eleven. As the first member of my family to earn two college degrees while being a parent, I have first-hand knowledge of the challenges that first-generation college students and student parents face. My passion for advocating for marginalized groups led me to join Generation Hope, where I will continue my efforts to make mental health services more accessible to student parents. Before working at Generation Hope, I worked with parents at the Prince George's County Office of Child Support and the Maryland Department of Labor Licensing and Regulation, assisting them with employment and navigating the child support system. I enjoy taking outdoor walks, bike rides, and playing board games with my family in my free time.
Nanayaa Obeng
Learning & Innovation Coordinator
Hello everyone! I’m Nanayaa and I am excited to be joining you all at Generation Hope as the Learning & Innovation Coordinator! I graduated in 2022 from George Mason with my bachelor’s in Government and International Politics and a minor in Business. I am very passionate about racial equity, justice, and law. I am a huge history buff and have a deep love of learning. I also enjoy cooking, baking, reading, and love to go on long walks.
Asha-Lee Peterkin
Communications Coordinator
Hey everyone! I'm Asha-Lee, thrilled to be an addition to the Generation Hope family as Communications Coordinator. With a background in PR firms right here in DC and as a freelance creative director, I’ve had the privilege of crafting compelling narratives through language and visuals. Growing up as the youngest of five, I've learned the value of having support firsthand. I'm incredibly grateful for the unwavering encouragement I've had from my family. It's a privilege to now be part of an organization that aims to extend that same support to student parents. Outside of work I love binge watching rom coms and reality tv as well as trying new restaurants so let me know if you need recommendations or if you have any for me!
Henry Sorto Santamaria
Program Coordinator (D.C.)
My name is Henry Sorto Santamaria, like the boat, and I'm incredibly excited to now be a part of the Generation Hope team! I graduated from the University of Maryland back in May 2022 with a degree in Communications and a focus in Political Communication and Public Advocacy, and I'm happy to now be able to put the experience I've gained through formal education and my lived experiences towards doing important community work. If not just for doing gratifying work that pays the bills, I also work to make sure I can put little kibbles in the bowl of my beautiful cat Miel.
Michael Shedrick
Scholar Program Coordinator (NOLA)
Hi! I am Michael, a proud native of the great city of New Orleans. I have been a youth mentor and coach for over twenty years. I have been an English teacher, educational leader, Boy Scout leader, camp counselor, and professional development coach. I hold a Master's in Educational Leadership and a bachelor's degree in marketing. I am currently studying to become a clinical mental health counselor. I am a Section 8 landlord and a skilled handyman. My passions include woodworking, dancing at local shows, backpacking, and mountain climbing. I believe that education is a key to unlocking freedom, power, and societal progress. I am committed to enhancing the enjoyment of life for others.
Jay Shepley
Director of Communications
Hello everyone! My name is Jay Shepley. I am excited to join Generation Hope as the first Director of Communications. I am passionate about creative storytelling, community-building and co-creating a more equitable and inclusive world.
I am thrilled to be a part of an accelerating national movement dedicated to two-generation economic empowerment for student parents and their kids, advancing racial justice and real systemic changes in higher education.
After graduating from Indiana University in 2006, I embarked on a career in film and television production in D.C., Baltimore, and Los Angeles. I worked on projects ranging from blockbuster action movies, to Academy-Award nominated documentaries, to the televised inauguration of Barack Obama.
In 2012, I decided to career shift to the nonprofit sector to pursue a more purpose-driven path and have been working at the intersection of communications, digital media, storytelling, and technology in D.C. based nonprofits ever since. I am rooted in a spirit of service, and have performed creative volunteer work at organizations including the District Alliance for Safe Housing, Covenant House Washington, Mil Mujeres, and Horton’s Kids.
